An ancient Astronomical Clock
The relative positions of the Sun, Moon, Earth, and Zodiac constellations are displayed on The Orloj, a Prague astronomical clock. The clock is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one that is still running. It was built in 1410 by local clockmakers Mikulá of Kada and Jan indel. Over its more than 600 years. The nicest part is that it gives its viewers some theater on the hour, every hour, in addition to telling the time and giving the date. The clock is divided into numerous separate components to offer this level of functionality.
Its stunning and exquisitely detailed celestial dial is the first and most prominent feature of the clock. This depicts numerous astronomical information, including the Sun's and Moon's positions in the sky. Roman numerals may be seen as one approaches the middle. These are used to display 24-hour time, much as the majority of conventional clocks. Two blue doors that open to show "The Walk of the Apostles" are located just above the main clock. The upper pane of the clock displays the 12 apostles moving every hour on the hour between the hours of 9:00 am and 9:00 pm. The calendar dial is located underneath the main astrolabe and clock. Its outside ring carries the description of each day for the full year, and its center displays the emblem of Prague's Old Town. At the top, the day of the week is displayed. A zodiac sign embedded in a medallion serves as a further representation of each month. Around the dial's perimeter, the date is displayed along with other yearly occasions, such as each Saint's Feast Day.
It has undergone several modifications and repairs, with the most recent one being in 2018. During the clock's renovation in 2018, a hidden message was found within one of its sculptures. They discovered that the Apostle of St. Thomas was lighter than any of the other sculptures while doing restoration on some of its carved figures. They noticed the statue was hollow when they knocked on it. An unusual metal casing was discovered within the statue after it had been removed and X-rayed. A thorough examination of each artifact found during the refurbishment work is planned. A fresh message for future generations will also be inserted into the tower by the restorers.
